Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, was Monday decorated as an ambassador of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) by the vice chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi.
The legislator pledged his unalloyed support for various lofty initiatives that will boost education in Nigeria, and sustain the legacy and the discipline received from the university where he is currently doing his doctorate in law.
He gave the assurance when he received a delegation from the University of Calabar, Cross River state, led by the vice chancellor, Professor Florence Obi and the provost, Post-Graduate School of the University, Professor Enyong Ubana on a courtesy call in his office in Abuja.
Recalling his days in the alma mater, Kalu said University of Calabar instilled virtues of hard work, competition and patriotism in him and also molded his character to contribute to nation building.
“As deputy speaker, I recognise the critical role that education plays in shaping the future of our nation. I’m dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote access to quality education, and I believe that Unical is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in this effort.
“I’m proud to have been shaped by this institution and I’m committed to partner with Unical to advance the cause of education in Nigeria like my favorite vice chancellor, favorite in the sense that only few women occupy this position in Nigeria. I like to see women get involved in leadership positions,” he said.
Earlier in their separate remarks, the vice chancellor of the university, Prof. Obi and the Provost, Post-Graduate School, Prof. Enyong Ubana, who is also the chairman, Organizing Committee of Unical at 50, described Kalu as the university’s special gift to the nation.